Istanbul Airport

✅ Trip Verified | I got my passport stolen in Istanbul, after getting a temporary passport and going through all the procedures, and getting to the airport 3 hours early, going through everything getting my ticket, that took sometime because of the size of the airport. After getting to the check-in the rude staff don't know any language other than Turkish were rude in helping us, they just pointed to a direction, and us not having much time remaining and in search of the visa violation centre in the airport missed our flight. This was very tiring and not-fun experience, the only time I was treated with a little respect was at the lost and found to get my bag back as I had missed the flight, it was by one of the staff members named Hakan. Who was very helpful and kind, unlike my previous encounters with other rude staff members

✅ Trip Verified | You have to pay 6 euros for 2 hours wifi connection . Just 1 hour is free. They take advantage of tourists needs. Toilets are super dirty. Food choice is not enough

✅ Trip Verified | In spite of being a relatively new airport, Istanbul Airport faces several issues. Firstly, after a long flight, it's quite disconcerting to discover that the air conditioners within the airport terminal aren't functioning efficiently. The indoor climate is neither adequately cool or properly dehumidified. Moreover, smoke tends to permeate from the smoking lounges, exacerbating the situation. This requires prompt resolution. The absence of adequate lighting in the area in front of passport control contributes to a gloomy ambiance inside the terminal. However, the airport's most significant challenge lies in cleanliness and maintenance. The accumulation of dust and grime on the glass surfaces, which appear to have been neglected since the construction phase, coupled with unpleasant odors in the restrooms, damaged mats, and damp floors, is unbecoming of an international terminal of this magnitude. Additionally, the presence of dirt and debris on the glass elevators in the parking area is highly off-putting. Furthermore, the haphazardly placed signboards for tourism companies in the arrivals reception hall, along with the excessive noise generated by the staff in proximity, evokes comparisons to provincial bus terminals. In conclusion, Istanbul Airport must prioritize significant efforts towards enhancing its cleanliness and maintenance practices to effectively compete with its counterparts in the Gulf.

✅ Trip Verified | Worst airport I have been to, people are so rude. The facilities appeared to be outdated and not maintained well. The staff I interacted with were not particularly helpful or courteous, making the travel experience more stressful than it needed to be. I'd advise travelers to manage their expectations when passing through this airport.

Not Verified | I travel through Istanbul airport every 5 weeks and I am absolutely disgusted with the service every time I travel. Every member of staff from the catering staff to the transfer desk and security are so rude and arrogant. At times they are even confrontational. It is obvious that there is a lack of training in all areas, especially customer service and people skills. Another of my complaints is that I cannot believe that they charge €9.50 for 24 hours WiFi or €6.50 for 2 hours. I travel to many different airports worldwide and am never charged for WiFi. Istanbul is the only airport that is. As I can observe, trying to maximise profits from passengers rather than have customer/passenger satisfaction. Also the prices of all services are extortionate. If I could travel through any other airport when commuting to work I would. It is a shame as I have spent many vacations in Turkey and very much like the country and people, but Istanbul airport in my honest opinion is the worst airport I have ever been to. I understand that my review will not change anything but do hope that in the future they will review all departments and facilities and realise that if they want to have the reputation that a number of airports have, they will have to implement changes.

Not Verified | If you have mobility issues, avoid Istanbul airport (IST) as plague I have travelled with my parents that both have mobility issues and the request for assistance was placed and approved long in advance. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we realised that there was only one person with a wheelchair, so my dad had to walk to the exit gate where we were left for a good hour before after my repeated discussions with the airport staff, the buggy has finally arrived. Important to know that if you have severe mobility issues to the point that you can not lift your leg, you would never be able to get on this buggy, it is way too high. After a lot of help on my side and with clearly visible pain signs on the face of my mother, we got on the buggy. They took us up to the waiting area at the entrance of the A gates. The area is located in a good walk from any toilet so how do they expect people to use them if they have mobility issues was not particular clear! At some point, we got a message that Turkish Airlines for the 3rd time changed our seats on the plane. Being worried that we will have little time to re-issue the boarding passes, I asked the woman to take us to the gate. The answer was no and she quickly returned to chit-chatting with her male colleague. I asked again with no reaction at all. This infuriated me and I asked for her name to write a complaint. After a short exchange in a broken English on her side, she informed me that now she is cancelling the assistance all together. I started arguing that she can not do it since my mom can not move on her own at all, she completely ignored me. I find it absolutely unacceptable to even suggest cancelling an assistance to someone who can not move on its own.

✅ Trip Verified | Spacious new looking airport. Insufficient seating capacity for transit passengers. Lots of shops mostly priced in EURO (above EU levels, so be careful) but charged in TRL w/o disclosing exchange rate. Good but overall too few food outlets (National/International). Found only one public water dispenser (however was told by information desk there are two). Too few restrooms, apparently about 25% of what would be required (thus crowded, long queues & dirty). Free WiFi can be had by registering at a few kiosks (queueing and several attempts necessary; needs to be improved). Avoid connecting to local Telco providers - roaming charges are a rip off.

Not Verified | Airport is big, clean, not enough Seats if a busy day. Too short time they advise for the gate, need to run because can be far from you. The worst Is the WiFi, free only 1hour which is ridiculously short nowadays. Food and beverage prices are too expensive change Turkish líra with your current Money, before buy. McDonald price ridiculous high. Also not lots of water fountains.

✅ Trip Verified | I can confidently say that my recent passage through Istanbul Airport was the most unpleasant experience at an Airport during those 50 years. I was stranded there by Turkish Airlines for 24 hours due to their inability to run to a Timetable, causing me to miss my onward flight to HCMC and eventually causing me to travel to my destination via Dubai instead of direct. The Airport is a nightmare to negotiate with endless walking, impossible Internet Access, almost no seating, ridiculous prices, and a "Help Desk" where one is treated to indifference, rudeness, and frankly lies (Paying for Business Class made zero difference). Despite the excessively long walks to Gates, the Departures are often only announced 30 minutes prior to Boarding. I would strongly advise against using this Hub if humanly possible.

✅ Trip Verified | Outrageous food/drink prices. Very modern but £32 for 4 coffees. £4 for a small can of coke. £10-13 for a sandwich. 4x the beach cost for small water bottle. Very busy, full of lux brand stores and no where near enough seats. Rest of Turkey experience was great - lovely people - but this - no way I’ll ever again voluntarily fund whatever operation runs this airport!